Predicting lightning-driven quasi-electrostatic fields at sprite altitudes using in situ measurements and a numerical model

Data from the largest electric field change (>140 V/m) above 30 km ever published, correlated with two positive cloud-to-ground (+CG) strokes, are compared with an axisymmetric quasi-electrostatic field (QSF) model developed by the authors and based on the model of Pasko et al. (1997a). Using the best fit parameters of this comparison, the electric field change everywhere in the stratosphere and mesosphere is predicted and compared to various electrical breakdown thresholds needed for the initiation and/or growth of sprites.